Best Way to Create Jobs

Jackie Cilley (D)

Government’s role in job creation is to provide the foundation sought by start-up businesses and those looking to relocate to our state. Business leaders have been clear that they are looking for a well-educated workforce, sound transportation and communication infrastructure and a health environment. A robust economy relies on our commitment to make investments in those areas. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

My first priority as Governor is to make New Hampshire’s workforce the best in the nation and to ensure New Hampshire continues to lead in innovation. We’ll do that by bringing businesses and educators together so that our educational system meets the needs of 21st century business, by providing targeted tax credits and technological assistance to help businesses grow and innovate; and investing in education and job training so that our workers are prepared for good jobs. Watch video

Government does not create jobs; private sector innovators, entrepreneurs and risk---takers create jobs. In order to let the free market work to spur job growth, government should seek to limit bureaucratic burdens and reduce what it takes from private companies in the form of taxation. Through public/private partnerships and aggressive marketing of the qualities that make the state exceptional, New Hampshire can support and enhance the private sector rather than inhibit it. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Cut business taxes, reduce regulations on small business, and lower health care costs and electric rates that impact NH’s businesses and consumers. By doing so, NH will strengthen its economic climate and companies will be able to invest, innovate and hire new workers as their business grows. Watch video

NH Tax Structure

Jackie Cilley (D)

Our tax system should be fair for all citizens and businesses, sustainable, allow us to fund our priorities for the future. Our current tax structure is overly reliant on property taxes. The downshifting that has occurred in the past two years is leading to our having the highest property tax burden in the country. Our current tax system is limiting our ability to make strategic investments to support our economic growth (i.e. education, roads, bridges and the environment). We should be willing to review our revenue system and accept the fact that the current system to raise state revenue is not effective anymore. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

As Governor I would veto an income or a sales tax. They would hurt our economy and middle class families and we can fund our priorities with them. We can reverse the disastrous education cuts, get rid of their tax cut to big tobacco companies and crack down on tax evaders and use that money to help fund our colleges and universities and health care for seniors and children. Watch video

I have pledged to veto any broad---based sales or income tax. Our status as the only state in the Northeast without such a tax makes us exceptional and is the cornerstone of the New Hampshire Advantage. I propose reforming our business tax structure through my ESE plan found at my website. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Oppose any broad-based tax, including income or sales tax. Cut the Business Profits Tax from 8.5% to 5% and Business Enterprise Tax from 0.75% to 0.25% by the year 2020. Increase the revenue threshold for businesses that pay the BET to $250,000 from $150,000 by 2014, and eliminate the BET altogether on small businesses with less than $500,000 in gross revenue and that do not make a profit. Watch video

Balancing the Budget

Jackie Cilley (D)

We have no choice but to balance the budget every year, but we need to do it with solid data, and realistic revenue and cost projections. The state needs to reassess its priorities and look at both sides of the equation: revenue generation and expenditures. At the same time, the gimmicks currently used, such as exaggerating projected revenues from the cigarette tax, need to end. We need to return to using reliable data, as any responsible business leader would do.

Maggie Hassan (D)

In tough economic times, I worked with Gov. Lynch to cut state spending and balance the budget without a broad-based tax. We froze hiring and equipment purchases, closed outdated facilities, and made the hard choices to eliminate programs to focus on our priorities as a state. As Governor, I will take the same approach. I will end programs that are no longer working, budget based on performance and results for taxpayers, and audit departments to make sure taxpayer money is not wasted. I will make sure we are focusing on our priorities as a state.

Maintaining a balanced budget requires tight controls on state spending as well as the continued use of real revenue estimates, not inflated predictions to allow excess spending. Budget reforms such as zero---based budgeting, a line item veto and the ongoing review and sun setting of unnecessary programs will help to relieve pressures on scarce resources.

Kevin Smith (R)

Ensure a balanced budget and hold government accountable to the taxpayer. Modernize state government to make it more efficient and cost effective in serving the citizens. Update and implement recommendations made by 2003 Commission on Government Efficiency, which identified millions in savings. Institute a system of metrics across all state departments to measure performance and the effectiveness of how taxpayer dollars are spent. Empower state employees to make agencies run more efficiently and serve citizens better, and reorganize government by combining offices and eliminating redundant functions to control spending.

Government Role in Health Care

Jackie Cilley (D)

We need a rational way to put focus on affordability, patient safety and access to care or face the fact that our current path will continue to drive increases in our uncompensated care rates. This high uncompensated care level has increased private health insurance premiums for families to the highest levels in the nation.
New Hampshire and the federal government need policy to stimulate public/ private partnerships in health care delivery reform. We need to change our current direction through these partnerships and reward innovation and improvements toward integrated health care systems in our state. Only through new policy direction will we achieve the changes needed in the system.

Maggie Hassan (D)

As Senate majority leader, I worked to pass common-sense reforms that helped families and businesses afford health care, including allowing young people to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, and to ensure businesses have access to affordable health insurance alternatives. As Governor, I will work to make quality, affordable heath care more accessible and encourage providers and insurance companies to be more efficient and lower costs.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Advocate for umbrella of health care for those that can’t afford it or have existing conditions, cheaper plans for those that can, partner with medical industry

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

To reduce health care costs we must reduce government---imposed mandates and institute free---market reforms in order to increase the number of insurers and encourage competition. As Governor, I will use my experience in the health care field to bring together the state’s health care, business, and community leaders with the goal of enacting more efficient models of care that will increase access, improve care, and contain costs.

Kevin Smith (R)

Oppose the budget-crippling ObamaCare mandate on NH and opt-out of the mandatory expansion of Medicaid that undermines the state-federal partnership and could bankrupt the state. Implement policies that encourage competition among insurers, allow flexible alternative plans to cost-driving coverage mandates, and overhaul burdensome state requirements on health care providers.

Medicaid Management

Jackie Cilley (D)

First, the new Medicaid Managed Care plan lowers costs to the state, but at the same time it will drop services levels, particularly for those patients who are developmentally disabled or who need treatment for mental illness, as money will be diverted to pay additional administrative costs to insurers. In fact, all Medicaid patients, including children, will find their health care somewhat compromised and at risk. Second, haste makes waste. By introducing the new Medicaid Managed care system within six months of passing a law requiring it, the legislature left inadequate time to understand how services will be delivered and inadequate time to build the new systems and processes to ensure we protect our high quality of patient care.

Maggie Hassan (D)

The Medicaid Managed Care contracts have already been signed so, as Governor, I will create a commission of consumers and financial and health care experts to directly advise me on the transition to managed care, and to ensure New Hampshire’s citizens are getting the quality care they deserve. A well-operated Medicaid Managed Care Program can and should save money and allow us to maintain important health care investments. We have a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely and that also means ensuring that we are getting what we pay for – high-quality health care for the children, seniors and people with disabilities being helped through Medicaid.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Use Federal Government subsidy for what it is meant for, partner with hospitals

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I support the Managed Care approach as a means of coordinating care delivery at a lower cost to the state. We must closely monitor the implementation to ensure continued quality of care for patients and adequate reimbursement rates for the state’s service providers.

Kevin Smith (R)

Support NH’s effort transition to managed Medicaid to make the program more cost efficient and more effective in providing the quality services and care to those receiving benefits. Ensure that the new guidelines meet the needs of the developmentally disabled with direct input from providers and families in the DD community. Closely monitor the rollout of managed Medicaid and hold HHS, the contracted MCOs, and others accountable for preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the state’s Medicaid program.

State Energy Needs

Jackie Cilley (D)

New Hampshire’s high energy costs and heavy reliance on volatile and expensive fuel oil, propane and gasoline are a threat to attracting and keeping businesses and jobs within our State. We need a strategic energy plan that focuses on reducing our long-term reliance on volatile fossil fuels, while stimulating investments in energy efficiency and energy resources within our state that create jobs for New Hampshire citizens. Such a plan should emphasize energy conservation (beginning with state owned buildings) and meeting the growth in demand with more renewable sources of energy.

Maggie Hassan (D)

New Hampshire needs more control of its energy future so that we are less dependent on the fluctuating prices of international fuel sources. As Senate Majority Leader, I pushed for more investments in energy efficiency and alternative energy. Those efforts have already helped consumers save $5 million on their energy bills and brought new jobs to New Hampshire, such as building and running new wind and biomass farms. As Governor, I will continue to work to create new jobs by encouraging businesses to develop New Hampshire energy sources.

New Hampshire’s electric utility rates are far too high for families and businesses. I will work to de---regulate our energy industry and introduce free market reforms to lower utility costs for our entrepreneurs and job creators. I support the full repeal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Renewable Portfolio Standards, and oppose other government cap and trade type interferences in the market.

Kevin Smith (R)

NH’s retail electricity customers pay some of the highest rates in the country (5th out of 50 states). Therefore, promote legislation that gives utilities the flexibility to obtain and provide the cheapest electricity possible, explore self-sustaining alternative forms of energy, and eliminate onerous, environmentally-neutral, rate-hiking energy regulations, such as RGGI (cap-and-trade).

Northern Pass

Jackie Cilley (D)

Northern Pass illustrates the tension between free market economy and the public good. A project of this nature should be assessed within the context of an overall energy plan for our state. While there may be some community benefits that would be derived from developing the Northern Pass system, both the short-term and the long-term consequences of permitting this development have not been carefully assessed, particularly the impact on local communities and property values as well as the impact on tourism. I believe we can find solutions that meet the needs of all parties but we need to have all stakeholders participating in the discussion to find the appropriate solution. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

Northern Pass has the potential of providing critical construction jobs, however, there are legitimate concerns about the impact the project would have on the tourist economy and our natural resources. There is potential for burying the lines along state rights of way – as has been done in New York, Vermont, and Maine-- and that such a proposal might be a way to move the project forward in a way that works for all stakeholders. Any further discussion or proposals should bring all sides to the table to build consensus on this issue. Watch video

Bill Kennedy (D)

No impact to environment, no eminent domain, must benefit as a state from project (i.e. lower cost energy) Watch video

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

The project not go forward unless; one, there are definitive and substantial benefits for New Hampshire; two, it does not raise New Hampshire electric rates; three, aesthetic concerns of the North Country are addressed; and four, it is fully vetted through a rigorous and open siting process at the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee. Along these lines, I would insist on a power purchase agreement granting New Hampshire the right of first refusal on any power transmitted through the state in order to secure our energy future. I would oppose any transmission plans that materially alter the state’s natural beauty and would oppose the use of eminent domain as a means of acquiring the land needed for this or any private project. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Oppose Northern Pass as it was originally proposed and oppose any use of eminent domain to take land for private development. Northern Pass must explore every option to minimize its impact on the state’s environment, limit any disruption to the tourism-based economy of the north country, and protect private property rights. Watch video

Right to Work

Jackie Cilley (D)

We do not want to be a so-called right-to-work state and both Republican and Democratic legislatures have voted repeatedly against it over the last twenty years. We don’t need outside interests and politicians interfering with the way employers negotiate with their employees. In states with so-called right to work laws, workers make an average of $5,000 less per year, fewer people have health insurance, and workplace deaths are 51 percent higher than in states without the law. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

I support the right of businesses and employees to enter into and negotiate contracts. As Governor, I would veto any so-called right-to-work legislation that would limit that right. Watch video

Bill Kennedy (D)

There are plans that allow us to balance needs. Both sides polarized on this issue. Need to take care of all hard working people! Watch video

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

Giving our employees a choice about whether or not to join a union is a matter of personal freedom. Moreover, with our no income or sales tax advantage, New Hampshire is uniquely positioned to become the most attractive state in the northeast for business relocation by enacting right-to-work legislation. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Voted for Right To Work as a state representative and as Governor, would support, advocate and sign Right To Work into law. Watch video

K-12 Education

Jackie Cilley (D)

A well-educated and skilled workforce is the number one reason businesses cite for starting up or relocating to our state. It is a key component of our economic success and is responsible for building the middle class in America. Education lifted me out of poverty as it has for thousands of our citizens. New Hampshire should pride itself in having an education system that attracts people and businesses to the State. To continue to do so, we need to invest in our K-12 system and make sure that the State assumes its responsibility for providing an adequate education that prepares them for meaningful jobs and will enable students to go on to more education as they pursue careers.

Maggie Hassan (D)

As Senate majority leader, I was proud to work with Gov. Lynch and my colleagues to make sure every child in New Hampshire can go to public kindergarten; to help reduce our state’s high school dropout rate by 60 percent; and to put in place a constitutional school funding plan that sent more to local schools, gave additional dollars to schools with greater needs, and helped end 15 years of lawsuits. As Governor, I will make sure that the state continues to meet its responsibility to local schools, but I will also work to set higher standards so that schools will be accountable for ensuring that our students are prepared for the jobs of the future.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Is a right and should be funded by state with local supplement!

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I support a Constitutional Amendment that will allow the legislature to both target state funding for education and delegate control to local communities. I believe we should also work to decentralize the delivery of education, giving teachers, principles and local leaders more control as opposed to state and federal departments of education. I will support reforms that encourage school choice and teacher accountability.

Kevin Smith (R)

Support a Constitutional Amendment that puts the power to direct education spending back in the hands of the legislature. Aggressively pursue policies that empower families and students, encourage merit based pay and tenure reform, give greater flexibility to administrators and teachers, strengthen support for charter schools, and promote and expand school choice and vouchers to produce a skilled workforce for the 21st Century economy, and regain NH’s position as a leader in public education.

Expanded Gaming

Jackie Cilley (D)

Expanded gaming should not be seen as the silver bullet for bringing or keeping high levels of revenues into our state. Those towns that are interested in gaming should be heard, but we must also consider the social and economic costs of expanded gambling close to home, such as increased rates of addiction and crime. Any legislation, before I would begin to consider it, would need to have solid controls and oversight by a government agency plus have local support for any specific proposal. We must ensure that the gaming industry does not unduly influence legislation. I personally will take no gambling funds in my campaign for Governor. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

I support allowing one highly regulated expanded gambling facility in New Hampshire if it can truly compete with the casinos in Massachusetts. Watch video

Bill Kennedy (D)

Against expanded gaming but open to alternative discussion! Watch video

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I have always been personally opposed to expanded gaming, particularly past plans that would have permitted multiple casinos and slots parlors across our state. However, I view the possible redevelopment of Rockingham Park as an economic development issue for the greater Salem area and southern New Hampshire. As long as local support continues for bringing casino style gaming to Salem, I would be open to legislation authorizing a single license for a facility at the Park provided such legislation adequately addresses public safety and other social concerns and directs the state portion of any new revenues towards either reducing taxes or meeting existing obligations, not new programs or further expansions of state government. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Support a limited plan of expanded gaming that allows for licenses at two locations to be determined by a fair bidding process. Require that any proposal include a strong regulatory infrastructure in place to oversee any casino operation, and that any revenues derived from expanded gaming not be placed in the general fund (which would only be used to grow the size of government). New revenue from gaming should be used to offset business or property taxes, or for infrastructure improvements such as completing the widening of I-93. Watch video

Medical Marijuana

Jackie Cilley (D)

There are definitely circumstances where a certified physician should be able to use their best medical judgment and prescribe approved access to marijuana for medical purposes. I would not veto a bill passed by the legislature that had appropriate systems of control associated with it. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

If appropriately regulated, with controlled and limited dispensing, I support allowing access to medical marijuana for patients. Watch video

Bill Kennedy (D)

Staggered step approach is wrong. Look at CA. Harder for police to enforce. It’s all or nothing! Marijuana is not the demon…prescription, meth, cocaine, etc. Watch video

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I am open to working with the legislature to enact a regulated distribution system for dispensing prescribed medicinal marijuana. Watch video

Kevin Smith (R)

Until federal laws governing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes allow for it to be treated and regulated as a controlled substance the same way any other medicine currently is, the state cannot adequately regulate the growth, distribution or use of such. Watch video

Death Penalty

Jackie Cilley (D)

I support life sentences without parole over the death penalty. Recent strides in forensic and DNA technology have proven dozens of individuals innocent of crimes for which they received the death penalty. The danger of putting to death one innocent individual outweighs any perceived benefits of the death penalty. Life sentences are supported by a rising number of corrections officials who contend this will ensure that justice is served and society is protected.

Maggie Hassan (D)

I support life in prison without parole for heinous crimes. As a matter of faith and conscience, I do not support the death penalty.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Does not deter crime…Against!

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

My pro-life beliefs inform my decision on this issue. While I would enforce the laws as they currently exist, I do not believe it should be the role of the government to take the life of any person except under extraordinary circumstances.

Kevin Smith (R)

Supports the state’s death penalty law.

Gun Control

Jackie Cilley (D)

I believe that the Constitution protects the right to bear arms, and New Hampshire has a long history of a balanced approach to licensing and regulation. I favor prudent oversight of our system in which our citizens can exercise their Second Amendment freedoms while ensuring the safety of our citizenry. Watch video

Maggie Hassan (D)

I support the 2nd Amendment. For many years, New Hampshire had a sensible, bipartisan approach as it honored these rights - balancing the rights of gun owners with public safety. Unfortunately, this current legislative majority has gone too far: allowing guns in the State House and allowing people to open fire in public places, even when there are safer options. This legislative majority has even proposed allowing guns in college dorms and classrooms; ending all gun licensing; and allowing some felons and people accused in domestic violence cases to carry weapons. I oppose those proposals. Watch video

Bill Kennedy (D)

Advocate for gun ownership but do not like the current trend in NH Watch video

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

The individual right to keep and bear arms for any lawful purpose is embodied in our State and U.S. Constitutions. Responsible gun ownership for self---defense or defense of property as well as for activities such as hunting and shooting sports, is an important part of New Hampshire’s heritage, and I will be an advocate for protecting these rights. I am a hunter and outdoorsman, own firearms and have a carry permit. I have been a member of the NRA since 1992, and was previously endorsed by the Gun Owners of America. Watch video

Same-Sex Marriage

Jackie Cilley (D)

I was proud to support marriage equality as a state Senator and voted against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in the House. I would never support taking away a citizen’s rights and believe that marriage is a private decision for couples to make rather than governments to decide. We should be focused on building a strong, vibrant economy for all of our citizens rather than on ideologically driven issues, and we should support all families as a foundation of our society

Maggie Hassan (D)

As Senate majority leader, I was proud to help bring marriage equality to New Hampshire. As Governor, I will veto any attempts to repeal it.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Advocate

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I would sign a bill repealing the same sex marriage law provided it grandfathered all existing marriages and included provisions for civil unions.

Kevin Smith (R)

Support the traditional definition of marriage, and recognize and respect that many folks have differing views on this very sensitive issue. As Governor, would work to find common ground whenever possible through civil dialogue and mutual understanding.

Abortion

Jackie Cilley (D)

Private decisions about reproduction and reproductive healthcare should be left to a woman, her doctor, her faith and her family without interference from government. I would veto any attempt by the NH legislature to restrict these personal rights.

Maggie Hassan (D)

I strongly support the right of women to make their own health care decisions. I also believe we can work together to reduce the need for abortions. That is why I oppose efforts by this legislature to de-fund Planned Parenthood and to raise health care costs on women by allowing companies to drop coverage for birth control.

Bill Kennedy (D)

Pro-Choice. I’ve seen too much neglect and abuse and we should be dictating policy that violates a woman’s right to choose!

Ovide Lamontagne (R)

I am, and have always been, pro-life.

Kevin Smith (R)

Strongly support the dignity of all human life. Authored legislation to ban partial-birth abortions as a State Representative, and advocated for the state's bi-partisan parental notification law while serving in the public and private sector. As Governor, would continue to support measures that affirm and promote a culture of life in New Hampshire.